VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Rear Leaf Spring Repair or Replacement?

This is a variation on a question I asked a while back.

I think it is time (as a winter project) for me to address the issue with my sagging rear leaf springs on my 31 Sedan.

The car is now 2" lower (in the rear) on the drivers side. I think it has sagged more over the last year. The front of the drivers side rear spring has DEFINTELY sagged. Rather than having the slight upward angle the spring has flattened out.

So I think over the winter I will need to tackle this issue.

I am getting mixed opinions on whether I should have the original springs rearced or replace them with new repro springs? I spoke to 3 differnet spring shops all said that a 74 year old spring will most probably sag again in a short period of time.

In either case I assume that I will need to replace parts if not all the shackles/pins. Which I do not have in my parts inventory.

Any thoughts on this issue would be appreciated.

I don't know if a 31 uses different springs, but I saw:

1932 Chevy 4-door - carparts - Rear leaf springs and shackles in good shape. Does have surface rust but all there. Also have orginal steering wheel and column in expected shape. If your interested you can email me at the_donner2003@yahoo.com and I"ll get back to you. - in Fair condition - Don, New Martinsville, WV, 26155, USA,
Email: the_donner@yahoo.com

at

http://restored-classic.com/chevy/1932.html

If you can go with new springs, definitely do so. And, replace the spring eye bolts and shackle units with new parts as well.

Just looked at price for new rear springs from FS.

Last year a pair were $370. Now a pair are $530.

Ouch

Contacted Eaton Springs they want $499 a pair.

Have located a spring shop that was recommended by another chatter. Its about45 miles away from me in New Jersey.

They say that if the springs are in decent shape they can do it and if necessary they can replace an individual leaf if necessary. The one that seems to be the problem is the largest leaf (the one with the bushing)

If you are talking about Jenson & Mitchell in NJ, go for it. They are the best around...and cheaper than replacements.

Yes those guys have been aroun for years. I brought my dads big rigs there years ago to get the springs redone. I watched them heat coffee one time. Heat spring meatl up and set the coffee pot on that and got hot in no time.

Jenson & Mitchell are the guys in NJ that have been recommended to me. Think that is the way I will go for both the 31 Chevy & 55 Pontiac. The rear springs on both of these cars have seen better days. Will address both cars over the winter.

Is Jenson and Mitchell the compaqny in Jersey City? I remember this discussion a while ago because mine are also slightly sagging and someday when I get the time I intend to get them re-arched. I'm about 60 miles north of NYC.

Jenson & Mitchell have 3 different locations in NJ. The one in Jersey City (managed by Charlie) is the place that has the experience with old cars. The one in Paterson is closer to the Tappenzee Bridge. They would then send your springs to their Jersey City location. Charlie is on vacation until next week. I will speak with him then and let you know what he says.

I'm tolf there's a place in Perth Amboy NJ. Amboy Spring. They have been doing truck springs for years.Has anyone delt with them